Byul Kim

XING XING aka Byul Kim, is a Seoul-based, Chinese/Korean DJ and model who is currently a resident DJ at the mythic 

. A known force in the South Korea's nightlife, she's also the founder of the DJ collective Hardpure. 

Influenced by her mixed cultural background, she has her own take on dance music, mixing trance, UKG, drum and bass, electronica, jungle and R&B. She believe's there's no no limits to genre, and is guided by a distinct bass-heavy sound in her mixes.

Below she shares her top spots in the city—from giant trees overlooking terraces, to sleek record shops and delicious falafel eateries. 

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My favourite record bar is owned by my close friends. It has very nice speakers with great music, a cosy and sexy interior, and what makes it very special are the very welcoming staff and service.

Music Store

Hills & Europa

Key venue for the Seoul club scene, Kockiri is a gay bar/club known for its inclusivity. Another draw of the bar is its beautiful terrace that faces a giant tree, providing a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy drinks and good company.  

Club

Kockiri

One of the best wine joints, with a very relaxing and lively atmosphere, good bites and great selection of natural wine along with great service.

Restaurant

Wildduck Canteen

It's hard to find authentic Mexican food in Seoul—this spot brings a true Mexican taste.

Snack Shop

Taco Stand

Authentic Chinese lamb skewers with a great menu, run by Chinese owners. 

No.1 Lamb Skewers

They serve authentic eastern Arabian food. Must try the falafels and mansaf.

Petra

One of South Korea's top designers, a nice space to shop their designs.

Boutique

Hyein Seo

Funny people and unique experiences, a great stop to admire Ojas speakers with a great selection of music.

Clothing Store

Supreme Seoul

 is known for his vivid Pop Art-inspired paintings.

Baik celebrates ideas of togetherness and connection through images that have a touch of the absurd and unexpected. This is done through a bright colour palette that’s combined with religious motifs and cartoonish figures; the latter is based on friends, family and encounters with strangers in his own life. In Baik's parallel universes, reality is turned upside down; characters are painted blue and brown unicorns exist. Colours are typically subversive and mirror Baik’s use of humour and irony.

For the artist, one of the best experiences you can have in Seoul is to enjoy a cold beer by the Han River, surrounded by friends. During the pandemic, these trips and moments of connection were lost, but found themselves reimagined through Baik’s canvases. Restrictions have since been lifted, and Baik has been rediscovering this sense of paradise in Seoul.

 for Baik's travel journal, and scroll down for his list of must-visit spots in the South Korean capital.

Avant Arte

Get the mussel bibimbap for ₩1600 (about $16).

Architectural coffee house in Hannam, also open late for night owls.

Meet new people while drinking soju and barbecuing frozen pork belly.

Look up to see the traditional Korean roof tiles.

Editors note: In Hyangmok’s art, these are hand painted in vibrant blues, greens and yellows.

A food stall street in Jongno (known as ‘Pocha’) is not open for lunch, but opens from late afternoon until dawn the next day without an exact closing time. As anyone who knows Korean nightlife knows, I once sat and drank here from 7pm to 7am the next morning. It's hard to get a seat on weekend evenings, and reservations are not available, so if you want to enjoy a variety of traditional Korean food and drinks here, I recommend going a little earlier in the evening or a little later in the evening after you've finished your meal.

Free entry on Wednesday and Saturday evenings.

Leeum Gallery is one of the galleries in Korea that has the largest collection of works encompassing traditional art containing the unique beauty of Korea and contemporary history of the world. Here, what I want others to see is in the exhibition hall titled 'The Journey of White Light' located on the third floor of the exhibition hall. ‘Buncheong ware’ is a unique porcelain made only in Korea in the 15th and 16th centuries, and shows the original form of Korean beauty.

Architect designed coffee space with an underground music bar and non-profit gallery space.

Similar Guides

Hyangmok Baik’s City Guide to Seoul

Originally from Flushing and Atlanta, SooJin returned to her place of heritage over 2 years ago. Seoul is a city she describes as loud and fast-paced with the youth carrying the torch as they find their own identity. Check out her guide to Seoul below and keep in mind her extra tip; “the best time to visit would be any time other than the dead of Summer. Don't be that person carrying and drinking a bottle of soju on the streets”.

Usually open from sun up to sun down, it's best to visit during the weekday considering what a shit show it is on the weekends. You have to rummage to find gems and beware of counterfeit goods.

Chill cafe/bar tucked away in Eulji-ro that is run simultaneously by the owner of vinyl shop Clique Records. Great high balls, wine, cheese and music.

Hotel in the heart of Hongdae that boasts it's connection with the subculture. Grilled cheese at Tartine is one of the best and you can grab a drink at Side Note Club on their terrace.

A cafe/bar situated on the top floor of the showroom and shop of brand AJOBYAJO - at first it’s intimidating but just walk up the stairs to the 4th floor. Offers a zen-like vibe with Buddhist statues and an aquarium with white carp as their bar table. Their tea/coffee usually comes with traditional dried persimmons.

Located in the Hannam-dong neighborhood of Itaewon, Warped is a streetwear based clothing store where local creatives go to just chill.

A two-room techno club in Itaewon with possibly one of the best sound systems.

Entrance fee to the garden is separate from the Palace.

Small and cozy record bar that was opened by Jinmoo, one of the founders for OG DJ crew 360 Sounds. You can easily hear hip hop, jazz, soul and funk sounds by 360 Sounds members and other local DJs.

Not only a bar but an artistic space that has been used for live performances, film screenings and exhibitions. Sindosi offers books, cassettes and artwork for sale as well as a church going experience on their roof as they have pews for seating.

Sexy Interiors and Relaxed Wine Bars: Byul Kim's Guide to Seoul Nights

Sexy Interiors and Relaxed Wine Bars: Byul Kim's Guide to Seoul Nights